If you often get sick even after maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it means your immune system isn’t as strong as it should be.
The immune system protects your body from harmful pathogens. It lets you eliminate toxic substances that enter through mucosal surfaces. [1]
When your immune system doesn’t work properly, you suffer from conditions like allergies, asthma, rheumatic arthritis, type-1 diabetes, etc. That’s why it’s important to boost your immunity.
Some essential oils come with therapeutic properties that help improve your immune system. They can prepare your body to fight against bacteria and germs.
This article looks into some essential oils for the immune system that you may want to try.
9 Essential Oils for Immune System
Essential oils contain powerful healing properties. These properties are beneficial for both body and mind. When used in aromatherapy, these oils can uplift your mood and improve the immune system.
A study published in 2013 shows aromatherapy with light Thai massage can be helpful for the immune system of cancer patients. [2]
Here are some of the essential oils to boost your immune system:
1. Lemon Oil
Deficiency of vitamin C can create degradation in tissues, increasing the risk of diseases like scurvy.
A study published in 2017 confirms the efficiency of vitamin C in improving the immune system and treating respiratory and systemic infections. [3]
Lemon oil is loaded with vitamin C. It can stimulate and detoxify your lymphatic system, an essential part of your immunity.
This essential oil can also encourage white blood cells to fight the infection
Related:10 Ways Lemon Oil Can Benefit your Health
2. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil comes from the gum-like resins of Boswellia trees. This essential oil is quite popular due to its numerous therapeutic properties.
The boswelic acids in frankincense oil are responsible for its immunity-boosting effects. This essential oil can protect your body by building a stronger defense system against infections.
A study was conducted at the Mansoura University in Egypt. It confirmed the immunomodulatory properties of boswelic acids. [4]
Regular use of frankincense oil may reduce the possibility of suffering from diseases caused by a poor immune system.
3. Valor Oil
Valor essential oil is a mix of frankincense, rosewood, blue tansy, spruce, and almond oil.
This essential oil can effectively fight against airborne pathogens and infections, thanks to frankincense oil.
Besides, the other oils used to create this blend are also rich in therapeutic properties. These oils make valor a good choice for boosting your immune system.
Related:6 Potential Uses & Benefits of Valor Essential Oil
4. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil originates from the shoots and leaves from the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare).
This essential oil is an effective pathogen fighter. It contains thymol and carvacrol that support your immune system.
A study published in 2017 showed the tissue-remodeling, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activities of oregano oil on human skin cells. [5]
This essential oil can also fight stomach illnesses and flu while strengthening your immune system.
5. Raven Oil
Raven essential oil is a unique blend of ravintsara, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus radiata, and wintergreen essential oils.
Due to the presence of lemon oil, raven essential oil is rich in vitamin C.
As vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it can fight bacteria and viruses, and boost your immunity.
6. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil originates from the leaves of eucalyptus trees. This essential oil is useful to fight against congestion and to support the upper respiratory system.
A study was conducted in 2010. It confirms the immune-boosting and antimicrobial activities of eucalyptus oil. [6]
Eucalyptus oil can be a natural substitute for chemical infused medications and supplements to boost your immunity.
7. Ginger Oil
Ginger oil comes from the ginger root through steam distillation. It contains potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties that can fight free radicals.
Research published in 2013 confirms the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant effects of ginger oil. [7]
Ginger essential oil contains zingiberene and beta-phellandrene. It is also rich in gingerol that supports the immune system and reduces inflammation.
Related:10 Health Benefits of Ginger Oil That You Should Know About
8. Thieves Oil
Thieves is another essential oils blend. It consists of lemon, clove, rosemary, cinnamon, and eucalyptus essential oil.
This essential oil is a powerful blend that may boost your immune system.
A study was conducted at Weber State University in Utah. It reported that thieves essential oil could effectively kill 99% of airborne bacteria. [8]
The essential oils used to make this blend are rich in therapeutic properties. It can create a strong immune defense in your body.
9. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon essential oil comes from the plant of the species Laurus Cinnamomum. This oil is rich in powerful antioxidants.
A study published in 2017 showed the efficiency of some essential oils in modulating the immune response in the human body. Cinnamon oil was one of them. [9]
Due to the presence of antioxidants, this essential oil can also fight free radicals.
Related:Honey and Cinnamon for Weight Loss : 10 Reasons to Try !
How to Use Essential Oil for Immune System
Diffuse:
Diffusing is considered to be the best way to use essential oils for boosting immunity. Add a few drops from the above mentioned essential oils to a diffuser. It will keep the air clean around your house and help you remain healthy.
Massage:
Dilute a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil and massage your feet, chest, or on the back of the neck.
Internally:
Some essential oils such as lemon, oregano, thieves, ginger, and frankincense oils can be taken internally. Make sure you are using FDA approved dietary grade essential oils and consume as instructed in the bottle.
Safety Measures for Using Essential Oils
Essential oils are generally safe. But inappropriate use may cause some problems to your health.
You need to follow some precautions while using essential oils:
- If you want to use essential oils topically, do not forget to dilute them with a carrier oil. You can use them directly if the instruction in the bottle says so. But it’s safe to dilute them before applying on the skin.
- Do not consume any essential oil without discussing it with your doctor.
- It is recommended to avoid using essential oil if you are pregnant or under medications.
- Always purchase essential oils from a reputed supplier. Read the labels properly and store them in a dark, cold place.
End Note
A healthy immune system is essential for survival. Your defense system fails to protect you from harmful diseases if you have poor immunity.
Leading a healthy lifestyle can help you keep your immunity at its top. Maintain a healthy diet, do regular exercise to keep your body free of toxins.
You can also try essential oils to boost your immunity. You are recommended to use them under an aromatherapist or doctor.
Read More: 6 Essential Oils for Heart Health and Heart Disease
